It's likely that South Carolina will see a backfield like this one against Iowa with both Devin Gardner, under center, and Denard Robinson in at the same time. / JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/Detroit Free Press

Having shown some of its two-quarterback package with Devin Gardner under center and Denard Robinson in the backfield in the final two games against Iowa and Ohio State, the Wolverines hold the trump card entering Tuesday's game at Raymond James Stadium.

And South Carolina knows it.

"It's a unique trick they have and the best thing we can do is try to contain them," South Carolina linebacker Shaq Wilson said Friday. "Those guys are definitely playmakers. It's difficult. Every game carries different challenges."

To simulate the U-M offense, the Gamecocks have used a few different athletes who were mobile quarterbacks in high school, including freshman receiver Shamier Jeffrey.

Safety D.J. Swearinger, a second-team All-SEC selection, said he has watched Michigan's whole season for tendencies, but conceded the different look the last two games adds to the Gamecocks' prep.

"It's a big challenge with trick plays, knowing Denard and No. 12 (Gardner) are on the field, we've got to be alert at all times," he said. "So it'll be a good challenge for us."

South Carolina has seen running quarterbacks all year in the SEC, but Swearinger conceded none were as fast as Robinson. They've played all types of different offenses, but none with the versatility U-M showed.

Now that Gardner's ankle is healed from the Ohio State game and Robinson has had a month to heal his injured elbow, no one outside of Michigan has a clue what the Wolverines' possibilities are.

Only one game remains to play the dual dual-threats together, so there's no reason to hold anything back.

As Gardner became comfortable under center in the final four games, his best spot seems secure, even though he played the first two-thirds of the season as a receiver. He's U-M's best passer, regardless of the status of Robinson's injured right elbow.

But Robinson has made passing progress, making him even more dangerous after his passing ability went untested against Iowa and OSU.

"It's feeling better," he said of his elbow, adding there's "not as much" numbness. "I think that the time off and being able to do a little stuff with my hand was good."

He took time to simply rest the elbow and arm, but the biggest assistance was just the lack of practice.

"Me not hitting it on stuff or banging it on the ground hard helped me a lot," he said.

Though he's not where he would like to be passing, which certainly indicates Gardner would be the primary quarterback again, Robinson has seen progress.

"I feel comfortable throwing the ball," he said. "It's still not spinning how I want to but I can get the ball down the field ... I can't put a percentage."

As for where he'll line up, when and how often, that's anyone's guess.

U-M offensive coordinator Al Borges was only offering crumbs on Friday, teasing "he's going to have a variety of roles ---- that's all I'm going to say."

Borges kept his only availability of the bowl season brief and as tight-lipped as possible.

Borges wasn't giving any hints, especially against a defensive front he said is as fast as any U-M has seen this year and allowed only 17 points per game.

"You just have to be ready for everything they throw at you," Swearinger said. "Whatever they throw, we'll be ready."